Aromatic Pacifier Assembly

ABSTRACT

An aromatic pacifier assembly for an infant gives off a predetermined scent by evaporation of volatile essential oils or similar substances. The aroma may be, for example, mint, menthol or eucalyptus, which may help relieve nasal congestion. The aromatic pacifier assembly is constructed to prevent evaporation of the essential oil before activation, so that the nipple does not become contaminated with a flavor the infant may find unpalatable, and so that the oil is conserved until it is desired to administer it to the infant.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Nonprovisional patentapplication Ser. No. 15/792,424, filed on Oct. 24, 2017; U.S.Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 15/792,424 claims priority toU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/413,889 filed 27 Oct. 2016.The disclosure of those applications are specifically incorporated byreference herein for all that it discloses and teaches.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to infant and baby products, and to the field ofdevices that may safely be placed in a baby's mouth. More specifically,the invention relates to an aroma emitting pacifier that can be placedin the mouth of an infant or baby.

BACKGROUND

The presence of a soft, but relatively impervious object that can beretained in a baby's mouth without the danger of inhalation orswallowing, may have a calming or pacifying effect on the baby. Suchdevices are thereby often referred to as pacifiers. Since theirintroduction, such devices have been improved somewhat in regards tosafety, but little else.

As pacifiers are already something that a busy parent is used toensuring is brought along with, or kept in close proximity to, a baby,introducing an additional functionality within the pacifier can simplifythe parent's caretaking requirements. Furthermore, if that additionalfunctionality is difficult to accomplish in any other way, then theenhanced functionality of such a pacifier is particularly valuable.

One such need is for aroma dispensing devices to help babies who aresick or otherwise need to inhale vapors/scents. There are a multitude ofvaporizers and humidifiers that attempt to dispense aromas, however,they are often bulky items that do not travel well (if at all) andimpact the environment of the entire room rather than dispensing thevapor/aroma just for the baby.

What is needed is a pacifier device that has the additionalfunctionality of dispensing an aroma. Such a device should remainsterile and not introduce any potentially unsanitary conditions.Additionally, it is important that the aroma portion of the pacifier notchange the flavor or taste of the nipple portion, as a baby may refuseto utilize a pacifier that has such a modified nipple. Furthermore, thedevice must be simple to purchase and use, as an already busy parentdoes not have time to deal with multi-part pacifiers that can comeapart, need refilling, or otherwise overly complicate what should remaina relatively simple and effective baby product. A need exists for adevice and method of placing a sterile nipple into the mouth of a user,without substantially disrupting the efficacy of the aromatic compoundsfound in essential oils.

BRIEF SUMMARY

One embodiment of the present invention comprises an aroma emittingpacifier having a mouth guard, a pull ring, a housing, an aroma emitter,and a nipple. The mouth guard is sized large enough to keep the babyfrom fitting the entire pacifier in his or her mouth (to ensure thepacifier does not become a choking hazard, be swallowed, etc.). A pullring may attach to the mouth guard so that either baby or parent cangrasp the pull ring and maneuver the pacifier. Additionally, a shortretention strap or line can be affixed to the pull ring and a nearbyobject so that if the pacifier is dropped, it does not fall all the wayto the ground and become lost or soiled.

A cartridge assembly may be attached to a housing. Attached on thebottom side of the mouth guard may be a nipple that is designed to beplaced within the mouth of the baby.

The cartridge assembly may be designed to include a repository for anaromatic substance such as medicinal vapor rub(s), fabric soaked inaromatic liquid(s), gel bulbs containing aromatic substance(s), etc. thevents of the aroma cavity are covered by a seal which is removed whenthe parent wishes the pacifier to emit the aroma contained in anotherwise unsealed manner within the aroma cavity. Since the baby's noseis in close proximity to the pacifier while the pacifier is being used,relatively small amounts of aroma substance(s) can produce relativelylarge effects without requiring the air in the entire room to bemodified. Once the pacifier is no longer emitting significant amountsaroma(s), it can be disposed of and a new aroma emitting pacifier mayused in its place. In some embodiments, a separate sealed aromacontaining cartridge may be provided as a replacement unit. The spentcartridge may be removed and discarded, and a fresh cartridge installedfor future use.

“Coupled to” means linked together, connected, joined, fastened to, orsecured to, and “coupled to” includes an indirect attachment.“Unremovably coupled to” means “unremovably fastened to” or “unremovablysecured to.” “Decoupled” means “unfastened” or “unsecured.”

“Number” refers to one or more. A number of teeth could refer to asingle tooth or two or more teeth.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more particular description of the invention briefly described aboveis made below by reference to specific examples. Several examples aredepicted in drawings included with this application. An example ispresented to illustrate, but not restrict, the invention.

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of an aromatic pacifier assemblyaccording to one example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 1B illustrates an exploded view of an aromatic pacifier assemblyaccording to one example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 1C illustrates a perspective exploded view of a cartridge assemblyaccording to one example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 1D illustrates a back view of an inner surface of an outercartridge structure according to one example of the principles describedherein.

FIG. 1E illustrates a perspective view of an inner cartridge structureaccording to one example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 1F illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a cartridgeassembly detachably coupled to a sticker.

FIG. 1G illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of anaromatic pacifier assembly, see FIG. 1A for a depiction of thecross-sectional plane.

FIG. 2A illustrates a front view of an aromatic pacifier assemblyaccording to one example of the principles described therein

FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view of an aromatic pacifier assemblyaccording to one example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 2C illustrates an exploded view of an aromatic pacifier assemblyaccording to one example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of a pull ring according to oneexample of the principles described herein.

FIG. 3B illustrates a front view of the pull ring of FIG. 3A accordingto one example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 3C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the pull ring of FIG. 3Aaccording to one example of the principles described herein, thecross-sectional plane being cut across the dotted line of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3D illustrates a back view of the cross-section of the pull ring ofFIG. 3C according to one example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 3E illustrates a front side view of the pull ring according to oneexample of the principles described herein.

FIG. 3E illustrates a front side view of the pull ring according to oneexample of the principles described herein.

FIG. 4A illustrates a bottom view of a mouth guard according to oneexample of the principles described herein.

FIG. 4B illustrates a front view of the mouth guard embodiment of FIG.4A according to one example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 4C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the mouth guard embodimentof FIG. 4B according to one example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 4D illustrates an enlargement of the section that is encircled by adotted line in FIG. 4F.

FIG. 4E illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the mouth guardaccording to one example of the principles described herein; the viewwas generated by rotating 90 degrees, towards a viewer, the right edgeof the mouth guard shown in FIG. 4B.

FIG. 4F illustrates a cross-sectional view of the mouth guard embodimentof FIG. 4B according to one example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 5A depicts a side view of the housing according to one example ofthe principles described herein. (The view of the embodiment of theopposite side of the housing is not shown but is a mirror image of FIG.5A.)

FIG. 5B illustrates a perspective view, looking down and from the front,of the housing of FIG. 5A, according to one example of the principlesdescribed herein. An embodiment of the front face of the housing isshown.

FIG. 5C illustrates a front view of the housing of FIG. 5B according toone example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 5D illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 5C,according to one example of the principles described herein; theplane is cut across the dotted line in 5D.

FIG. 5E illustrates a bottom-back perspective view of the back side ofthe housing according to one example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 5F illustrates a back view of the housing of FIG. 5F according toone example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 6A illustrates a front, perspective view of an outer cartridgestructure, according to one example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 6B illustrates a side view of the outer cartridge structure asshown in FIG. 6A, according to one example of the principles descriedtherein.

FIG. 6C illustrates a back perspective view of the outer cartridgestructure as shown in FIG. 6A, according to one example of theprinciples descried therein.

FIG. 6D illustrates a closeup of the embodiment show in in FIG. 6C; thedotted rectangle in FIG. 6C shows what is enlarged.

FIG. 6E illustrates a back view of the outer cartridge according to oneexample of the principles described herein.

FIG. 7A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of an inner cartridgestructure embodiment according to one example of the principlesdescribed herein.

FIG. 7B illustrates a sectional perspective view of an embodiment theinner cartridge structure of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7C illustrates a side perspective view of an embodiment of theinner cartridge structure of FIG. 7A. (The opposing side is not shownbut is a mirror image of FIG. 7C.)

FIG. 7D illustrates a back view of the embodiment of the inner cartridgestructure depicted in FIG. 7C.

FIG. 8A depicts a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the aromaticpacifier assembly

FIG. 8B depicts a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the aromaticpacifier assembly

FIG. 9A depicts a front view of an embodiment of main assembly packagedin an embodiment of a first compartment and an embodiment of thecartridge assembly packaged in an embodiment of the second compartment.

FIG. 9B depicts a side view of what is shown in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 9C depicts a perspective view of what is shown in FIG. 9A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A detailed description of the claimed invention is provided below byexample, with reference to examples in the appended figures. Those ofskill in the art will recognize that the components and steps of theinvention as described by example in the figures below could be arrangedand designed in a wide variety of different configurations, withoutdeparting from the substance of the claimed invention. Thus, thedetailed description of the examples in the figures is merelyrepresentative of an example of the invention and is not intended tolimit the scope of the invention as claimed.

In some instances, numerical values are used to describe features suchas temperature. Though precise numbers are used, one of skill in the artrecognizes that small variations in the precisely stated values do notsubstantially alter the function of the feature being described. In somecases, a variation of up to 500% of the stated value does not alter thefunction of the feature. Thus, unless otherwise stated, precisely statedvalues should be read as the stated number, plus or minus a standardvariation common and acceptable in the art.

The mouth guard may be sized large enough to keep the baby from fittingthe entire pacifier in his or her mouth. This is desirable because ifthe pacifier could fit within the baby's mouth, it would become achoking hazard, could be swallowed, etc. There may be a number of airports hi the mouth guard illustrated in FIG. 1. These may provideattachment points for retention straps/strings, allow the skin that isunderneath the mouth guard (when it is in use) to breathe, allow air topass through the mouth guard, etc. In other embodiments the number,size, shape, and location of these air ports can vary or be non-existent

An additional attachment point for a strap or retention string can beprovided by the pull ring. A retention strap/line/string can be affixedto the pull ring and a nearby object so that if the pacifier is dropped,it does not fall all the way to the ground and become lost or soiled.Although not strictly necessary, the pull ring is a useful feature onthe aroma emitting pacifier that can be used by either the baby or theparent to grasp and maneuver the pacifier.

The cartridge assembly may be designed to include a repository for anaromatic substance such as medicinal vapor rub(s), fabric soaked inaromatic liquid(s), gel bulbs containing aromatic substance(s), etc.Other materials that can be doused with aromatic substances include woodchips, cotton balls, strings, sponges, and any other suitable materialthat can initially retain and then release aromatic substances overtime.

A variety of different aromatic substances may be used in an aromaemitting pacifier according to an embodiment of the invention. Thesesubstances may be non-toxic and have at least a moderate degree ofvolatility so that they evaporate when the seal of the aroma emitter isbroken to activate the pacifier. Embodiments comprising one or more ofthe following substances are specifically contemplated: lavender,orange, lemon, eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary, almond oil, coconutoil, camphor, cedar, menthol, tea tree oil, vanilla, chamomile, andcannabis. These may be pure essential oils, tinctures prepared from oilsand alcohols, or other similar forms where the aromatic substanceevaporates when a substantially-airtight seal is broken or removed.

The cartridge assembly may be initially sealed so that the aromas do notpervade the entire aroma emitting pacifier such that the nipple becomesflavored and the baby rejects it. Instead, the aroma emitter may containthe aroma(s) until activated by the parent just prior to giving thepacifier to the baby. Activation can be accomplished by removing asticker or other sealant member from vents of the cartridge assembly. Inother embodiments the cartridge assembly is not pre-assembled but comesas a packaged outer cartridge and a packaged inner cartridge, and theabsorbent material having aromatic compounds may be packaged separatelyand a user may then insert the absorbent material with the aromaticcompounds onto the inner surface of the inner cartridge structure or theinner surface of the outer cartridge structure and then couple thecartridge structure to the outer cartridge structure, by interlockingthe teeth of the outer cartridge structure with the teeth of the innercartridge structure, so as to form a cartridge assembly. In otherembodiments, other release (activation) mechanisms are contemplated. Aseal between the aroma substance and the activation button can comprisea foil, plastic, paper, rubber, silicon, gel or similar type of material(or combination) that is glued onto, melted in place, ultrasonicallywelded to, or otherwise affixed over vents of the outer cartridgestructure. The rate of release (e.g., by evaporation) of the aromaticsubstance may be controlled by providing a labyrinthine channel throughwhich the aromatic substance must travel to exit the cavity. The lengthand cross-section of this channel may be adjusted to account for thevolatility of the aromatic substance, the quantity of substance in thechamber or cavity, and the length of time over which the aroma emittingpacifier is desired to operate.

Once the aroma(s) are released, they then travel from the aroma cavity,through aroma vents, and out of the aroma emitting pacifier. Since thebaby's nose is in close proximity to the pacifier while the pacifier isbeing used, relatively small amounts of aroma substance(s) can producerelatively large effects without requiring the air in the entire room tobe filled with aroma. Once the pacifier is no longer emittingsignificant amounts of aroma(s), the old aroma emitting pacifier can bedisposed of and a new aroma emitting pacifier can be activated and usedin its place. In embodiments with a replaceable aroma cartridge, thespent cartridge can be removed and replaced with a new one.

Attached on the bottom side of the mouth guard is a nipple that isdesigned to be placed within the mouth of the baby. While the baby issucking on and/or gumming the nipple, the aroma emitting pacifier may beconstantly releasing aroma(s) in dose proximity to the baby's nose andmouth. Although designed to be inhaled by the nose, when the nose isplugged and/or the baby is breathing through his or her mouth, thearomas emitted by the aroma emitting pacifier can be inhaled through themouth as well.

Referring to FIG. 1A, an aromatic pacifier assembly is disclosed; thearomatic pacifier assembly may have a main assembly; the main assembly102 may have a nipple 600, a mouth guard 400, and a housing 300 coupledto the mouth guard 400; and, a cartridge assembly 150. The cartridgeassembly 150 may have an outer cartridge structure 152 and an innercartridge structure 154. The outer cartridge structure 152 and the innercartridge structure 154 may be undetachably attachable to each other viainterlocking, flexible teeth. An absorbent material 356 900 be infusedwith an amount of aromatic compounds, essential oils, or othertherapeutic scent-emitting substance; the absorbent material 356 900 maybe disposed within the cartridge assembly 150 such that, when vents areexpose, the aromatic compounds are emitted from the cartridge assemblyand may enter through a nostril of a user, such as an infant.

Referring to FIG. 1, the outer cartridge structure 152 of the aromaticpacifier assembly 101 may further include a plurality of vent areas 60a, 60 b, 60 c, 60 d; the plurality of vent areas may each individuallydefine a vent 161 a, 161 b, 161 c, 161 d. The aromatic pacifier assembly101 may further have a pull ring 200 coupled to the housing 300; theinner cartridge structure 154 may also have an elliptical base 183.

Referring to FIG. 1, the aromatic pacifier assembly 101 may have atleast one of the vent areas 60 a that is elliptical, and wherein atleast one of the vent areas 161 a is generally comma-shaped. Forpurposes of this disclosure, comma-shaped means having an arc that isadjacent to a concave portion, which is adjacent to a convex portion.

Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 1B, and FIG. 1C, the outer cartridge structure152 of the aromatic pacifier assembly 101 of claim 1 may have an outerface 155 and an inner face 156; a flexible locking hook 174 a may becoupled to the inner face 156. Flexible locking hook 174 a may have ahooking flange 1741 a.

Referring to FIG. 1F, a plurality of vent areas 60 a, 60 b, 60 c, 60 dof an aromatic pacifier assembly 101 may be detachably coupled to asticker 157. The sticker may have a back side that has an adhesive.

Referring to FIG. 1D, at least three flexible locking hooks 174 a, 174b, 174 c may be coupled to the inner face 156. FIG. 1C depicts how inthe preferred embodiments, an outer flange 180 of the inner cartridgestructure 154 may be positioned as show in FIG. 1D and moved along axis1001. Each of the at least three flexible locking hooks 174 a, 174 b,174 c may be substantially undetachably mated with an outer flange 180of the inner cartridge structure 154 such that a lower edge of thehooking flange 1741 may be moved towards the rim of the inner cartridgestructure 154 as the outer flange 180 is pressed against the hookingflange 1741 a and toward the inner face of the outer cartridge structure152, sliding up and behind the flexible locking hook 174 a so as to belocked into place such that any portion of inner face of the outerflange 180 coupled to the one of the flexible flocking hooks 174 a, 174b, 174 c is held in place by a hooking flange 1741. See FIG. 1B for afrontal perspective view of an inner cartridge structure 154 coupled tothe outer cartridge structure 152 to form a cartridge assembly 150.Referring to FIG. 1B, in the preferred embodiments, the housing 300 iscoupled to the mouth guard 400 via at least one type of weld selectedfrom the group consisting of a hermetic seal, an ultrasonic weld, and alabyrinth seal.

Referring to 5D, energy director 701 is depicted; In the preferredembodiments, the radius of the energy director 701 is 0.002 inches orless. Teeth are show in FIG. 5d , and the angle of portion 702 and themain surface of the outer cartridge structure may be between 40 and 50degrees, 50 and 60 degrees, 63 and 66 degrees, 66 and 69 degrees, 69 and72 degrees, 72 and 75 degrees, 75 and 79 degrees, 79 and 82 degrees, 82and 85 degrees, 85 and 89 degrees, 89 and 92 degrees 92 and 97 degrees,97 and 101 degrees, 101 and 107 degrees, 107 and 112 degrees, 112 and120 degrees, 120 and 130 degrees, 130 and 170 degrees.

Referring to FIG. 8A, the aromatic pacifier assembly of claim 1, mayfurther have at least one flexible tooth of the outer cartridgestructure; the housing 300 may have an annular area 310, that maycircumscribe an inner face of housing 300, as shown in FIG. 5B, and, theannular area 310 may detachably mate with the tooth 310 of the outercartridge structure 152 of the cartridge assembly 150. In the preferredembodiments, the annular area 310 may detachably mate with a pluralityof teeth 310 a, 310 b, etc. of the outer cartridge structure 152 of thecartridge assembly 150 since having a plurality of teeth that have beencoupled to the housing so as to be disposed behind the annular area 310may restrain the outward cartridge from being tilted at an angle so asto allow the tooth 310 to be discoupled from the annular area 310. Insome embodiments there are two teeth 310 a, 310 b; in some embodimentsthere are three teeth 310 a, 310 b, 310 c; in the preferred embodimentsthere are at least 4 teeth 310 a, 310 b, 310 c, 310 d; there may be fiveteeth in some embodiments, there may be six teeth in some embodiments,there may be seven teeth in some embodiments, there may be between eightand 50 teeth; In the preferred embodiments, there are 12 teeth 310 a,310 b, 310 c, 310 d, 310 e, 310 f, 310 g, 310 h, 310 i, 310 j, 310 k,310 l.

Referring to FIG. 9A, the aromatic pacifier assembly 101 may include twoor more portions or assembled portions. The outer cartridge structure152 may be substantially undetachably coupled to the inner cartridgestructure 154, and an aromatic pad, or absorbent material havingaromatic compounds, may be disposed therein so as to form a cartridgeassembly 150 having an aromatic pad disposed within. For purposes of thefigures, the aromatic pad is shown relatively small so as to notobstruct the view of the cartridge assembly; however, in the preferredembodiments, the aromatic pad may be of any size; In the preferredembodiments, the aromatic pad is sized to fit within the cartridgeassembly 150. Referring to FIG. 9A, a schematic is shown wherein themain assembly 102 is disposed in a first packaging compartment 155,which may be plastic or see-through, coupled to a backing 157, which mayhave paper and may be coupled to the back edge of first packagingcompartment 155 so as to function with the first packaging compartment155 to keep the main assembly 102 substantially separated from an outerenvironment. In the preferred embodiments, the cartridge assembly 150may be generally-aseptically disposed in a second packaging compartment159 coupled to the backing; FIG. 9A shows a schematic for cartridgeassembly 150. By packaging two or more separate compartments, the nipplemay be preserved so as to avoid permeating the nipple with aromas fromthe absorbent material of the cartridge assembly

Referring to FIG. 6A and 1B, the aromatic pacifier assembly 101 may havean outer cartridge structure 152, and the outer cartridge structure 152,may further include:

an outer rim lip 153, an outer face 155, and an inner face 156 (shown inFIG. 6C). In the preferred embodiments, the outer cartridge structure152 may further have a first tooth 160 a and a second tooth 160 bcollectively disposed on an outer flange 1531 of the outer rim lip 153;the outer rim lip 153 may include both the outer flange 1531 and theouter rim lip 153; both the outer rim lip 153 and the outer flange 1531may have a circumference that may be substantially similar or identicalto the circumference of the outer face 155 of the outer cartridgestructure 152), the inner cartridge structure 154 may have at least onetooth of the inner cartridge structure; the at least one tooth of theinner cartridge structure may have a first tooth 1541 a and a secondtooth 1541 b of the inner cartridge structure 154; wherein the housing300 may have an annular area 310 generally circumscribing the housing300, wherein the first tooth 160 a of the outer cartridge structure 152may be frictionally coupled to the annular area 310 of the housing 300,the first tooth 1541 a of the inner cartridge structure 154 may befrictionally coupled with the first tooth 160 a of the outer cartridgestructure 152, wherein the first tooth 160 a of the outer cartridgestructure 152 may be simultaneously and substantially undetachablycoupled to the annular area 310 of the housing 300 and to the firsttooth 1541 a of the inner cartridge structure 154 when the first tooth160 a of the outer cartridge structure 152 is disposed between theannular area 310 of the housing 300 and the first tooth 1541 a of theinner cartridge structure.

Referring to FIG. 6C, the aromatic pacifier assembly 101 of claim 1 mayinclude an outer cartridge structure 152 which in preferred embodimentis elliptically-shaped; the outer cartridge structure 152 may furtherhave an outer rim lip 153, wherein the outer rim lip 153 has a flexiblefirst tooth 160 a, a flexible second tooth 160 b, a flexible third tooth160 c, a flexible fourth tooth 160 d, a flexible fifth tooth 160 e, aflexible sixth tooth 160 f, and a flexible seventh tooth 160 g; each ofthe seven teeth may further have an inward-facing, generally convexridge 620; and a tip 622 that may have a concave edge 624 adjacent tothe ridge 620, a generally planar edge 626 adjacent to the concave edge624, a beveled edge 628 adjacent to the generally planar edge 626, agenerally concave outer edge 630 adjacent to the beveled edge 628, aportion 632 receiving the annular area 310 of the housing 300; each ofthe plurality of portions 632 may be frictionally and substantiallyundetachably coupled to the annular area 310 of the housing 300 wheneach of the seven teeth 160 a, 160 b,160 c,160 d,160 e,160 f,160 g ofthe outer cartridge structure are substantially undetachably andfrictionally disposed between the annular area of the housing 300 and anumber of teeth 1541 a, 1541 b, 1541 c, 1541 d, 1541 e, 1541 f, 1541 g,of the inner cartridge structure.

Referring to FIG. 1D, a vent area 60 a is disclosed and it may beelliptical or circular. The aromatic pacifier assembly 101 may includevent area 61 a, which may be comma-shaped, which may refer to having afirst end that is elliptical or circular, having a first diameter, and asecond end that may be circular with a smaller diameter than the firstend, and having a first curved line that is tangent to both the firstend and the second end, and having a second curved line that may betangent to the first end and the second end. There is no limit on thenumber of vent areas that may be included on the outer face of thecartridge assembly, but in preferred embodiments there are 4 vent areas:60 a, 61 a, 61 b, 61 c.

The aromatic pacifier assembly 101 may have number of teeth 160 a, 160 bof the outer cartridge structure 152 which may equal the number of teeth1541 a, 1541 b, 1541 c, 1541 d, 1541 e, 1541 f, 1541 g of the innercartridge structure. The number of teeth of the outer cartridgestructure may range between 2 and 100. Preferably, the number of teethof the outer cartridge structure 152 may be with in 5 less or 5 greaterthan the number of teeth of the inner cartridge structure. Preferably,the teeth of the outer cartridge structure interlock or are coupledbehind the teeth of the inner cartridge structure.

The inner cartridge structure further having at least six innercartridge teeth 1541 a, 1541 b, 1541 c, 1541 d, 1541 e. The teeth may bewedge shaped and may be tapered so as to be flexible. The teeth may havea ridge. One or more of the teeth, but preferably all of the teeth, ofthe inner cartridge structure

Referring to FIG. 8A, each of the one or more inner cartridge teeth 1541a, 1541 b, 1541 c, 1541 d, 1541 e, 1541 f, may have a) a generallyconvex flexible tip 640, b) a beveled, outer edge 642 of the flexibletip 640 may have a flange 644, and c) an upper edge 646 of the flexibletip 640; the upper edge 646 of the flexible tip 640 may be detachablycoupled with the outer cartridge structure 152, and each flange 644 ofeach of the outer edge 642 of the flexible tip 640 of each of the atleast six inner cartridge teeth 1541 a, 1541 b, 1541 c, 1541 d, 1541 e,1541 f may be coupled to and may be nested behind one of theinward-facing, generally convex ridges 620 a, 620 b.

Referring to FIG. 8A, the outer cartridge structure 152 may havegenerally planar edges 626, adjacent to the concave edges 624 of the atleast seven teeth 160 a, 160 b,160 c,160 d,160 e,160 f,160 g of theouter cartridge structure 152, and the one or more planar edges 626(referred herein as plural since each of the at least seven teeth mayhave a planar edge 626) may be substantially undetachably coupled to thehousing 300 (substantially undetachably referring to the culmination ofthe different teeth that may be interlocking which may constrain themovement of a single edge or tooth from being moved at a sufficientangel so as to be detached); and, wherein each of the generally concaveouter edges 630 adjacent to the beveled edges 628 of the at least seventeeth 160 a, 160 b,160 c,160 d,160 e,160 f,160 g (flexible) of the outercartridge structure 152 may be substantially undetachably coupled to thehousing 300, wherein a second generally planar edge 6262 may besubstantially undetachably coupled to the housing 300.

Referring to FIG. 8A ,the housing 300 may have a ledge 333, the nipple600 may further have a collar 665 being coupled to the mouth guard 400and being disposed upon the ledge 333 which may be generally C-shaped orthe mirror image of C-shaped; wherein at least one aromatic substance isdisposed upon said absorbent material 356, which may be a pad, the atleast one aromatic substance selected from the group consisting ofnontoxic substances, volatile substances, essential oils, aromaticcompounds, lavender essential oil, orange essential oil, lemon essentialoil, eucalyptus essential oil, peppermint essential oil, rosemaryessential oil, almond oil essential oil, coconut oil essential oil,camphor essential oil, cedar essential oil, menthol essential oil, teatree oil essential oil, vanilla essential oil, chamomile essential oil,and cannabis essential oil, alcohols, and combinations thereof.

Referring to FIG. 8A, the nipple may be inverted. Any of the nipplesdepictions in the drawings may be inverted.

Methods of use are contemplated. A method of using an aromatic pacifierassembly for providing aromatic compounds to a person is disclosed, themethod having the steps of : removing an aromatic cartridge assembly,wherein an absorbent material 356 such as a pad that has been infusedwith essential oils or aromatic compounds may be generally engulfed bythe aromatic cartridge assembly, from a first sterile compartment of apackaged product; removing a main assembly having a nipple coupled to amouth guard from a second compartment of the packaged product;sterilizing the main assembly so as to sterilize the nipple; removing asticker detachably sealed to at least one vent of the cartridgeassembly; mating the cartridge assembly with the housing so as to hear aclicking sound; inserting the nipple into the mouth of a human, andallowing at least one aromatic compound to be diffusing through at leastone vent of the outer cartridge structure.

The foregoing descriptions of embodiments have been presented only forpurposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the forms disclosed.Accordingly, many modifications and variations will be apparent topractitioners skilled in the art. Additionally, the above disclosure isnot intended to limit the embodiments. The scope of the embodiments isdefined by the appended claims. annular area 310

1. An aromatic pacifier assembly comprising a main assembly comprising anipple; a mouth guard; and, a housing coupled to the mouth guard; and, aa cartridge assembly; the cartridge assembly comprising an outercartridge structure, having a number of teeth of the outer cartridgestructure; an inner cartridge structure, having a number of teeth of theinner cartridge structure; and, an absorbent material 356, the absorbentmaterial 356 being infused with an amount of aromatic compounds; theabsorbent material 356 being disposed within the cartridge assembly. 2.The aromatic pacifier assembly of claim 1, wherein the outer cartridgestructure further comprises a plurality of vent areas; wherein theplurality of vent areas each define a vent, the aromatic pacifierassembly further comprising a pull ring coupled to the housing; theinner cartridge structure comprises a base.
 3. The aromatic pacifierassembly of claim 2 wherein at least one of the plurality of vent areasis elliptical and wherein at least one of the plurality of the ventareas is generally comma-shaped.
 4. The aromatic pacifier assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the outer cartridge structure is substantiallyundetachably coupled to the inner cartridge structure, wherein the mainassembly is disposed in a first packaging compartment coupled to abacking and the cartridge assembly is generally-aseptically disposed ina second packaging compartment coupled to the backing.
 5. The aromaticpacifier assembly of claim 1 wherein the outer cartridge structurecomprises an outer face of the outer cartridge structure and an innerface of the outer cartridge structure, wherein a flexible locking hookis coupled to the inner face.
 6. The aromatic pacifier assembly of claim5, wherein the at least one flexible locking hook is three flexiblelocking hooks; wherein the at least three flexible locking hooks areeach substantially undetachably mated with an outer flange of the innercartridge structure; wherein the housing is coupled to the mouth guardvia at least one type of weld selected from the group consisting of ahermetic seal, an ultrasonic weld, and a labyrinth seal.
 7. The aromaticpacifier assembly of claim 2, wherein the plurality of vent areas aredetachably and adhesively coupled to a sticker.
 8. The aromatic pacifierassembly of claim 1, further comprising a tooth of the outer cartridgestructure, wherein the housing comprises an annular area; the annulararea detachably mating with the tooth of the outer cartridge structureof the cartridge assembly.
 9. The aromatic pacifier assembly of claim 1wherein the outer cartridge structure further comprises an outer rimlip; an outer face; and, an inner face; the outer cartridge structurefurther comprising a first tooth and a second tooth collectivelydisposed on an outer flange of the outer rim lip, the inner cartridgestructure comprising at least one tooth of the inner cartridgestructure; the at least one tooth of the inner cartridge structurecomprising a first tooth and a second tooth of the inner cartridgestructure; wherein the housing comprises an annular area generallycircumscribing the housing, wherein the first tooth of the outercartridge structure is frictionally coupled to the annular area of thehousing, the first tooth of the inner cartridge structure isfrictionally coupled to the first tooth of the outer cartridgestructure, wherein the first tooth of the outer cartridge structure issimultaneously and substantially undetachably coupled to the annulararea of the housing and to the first tooth of the inner cartridgestructure when the first tooth of the outer cartridge structure isdisposed between the annular area of the housing and the first tooth ofthe inner cartridge structure.
 10. The aromatic pacifier assembly ofclaim 1 wherein the outer cartridge structure further comprises an outerrim lip, wherein the outer rim lip comprises a flexible first tooth, aflexible second tooth, a flexible third tooth, a flexible fourth tooth,a flexible fifth tooth, a flexible sixth tooth, and a flexible seventhtooth; the flexible first tooth further comprising a firstinward-facing, generally convex ridge; and a, a tip comprising a concaveedge adjacent to the inward-facing, generally convex ridge; a generallyplanar edge adjacent to the concave edge; a beveled edge adjacent to thegenerally planar edge; a generally concave outer edge adjacent to thebeveled edge; a portion of the tip being frictionally and substantiallyundetachably coupled to the annular area of the housing; the flexiblesecond tooth further comprising a second inward-facing, generally convexridge; and a, a tip comprising a concave edge adjacent to theinward-facing, generally convex ridge; a generally planar edge adjacentto the concave edge; a beveled edge adjacent to the generally planaredge; a generally concave outer edge adjacent to the beveled edge; aportion of the tip being frictionally and substantially undetachablycoupled to the annular area of the housing; the flexible third toothfurther comprising a third inward-facing, generally convex ridge; and a,a tip comprising a concave edge adjacent to the inward-facing, generallyconvex ridge; a generally planar edge adjacent to the concave edge; abeveled edge adjacent to the generally planar edge; a generally concaveouter edge adjacent to the beveled edge; a portion of the tip beingfrictionally and substantially undetachably coupled to the annular areaof the housing; the flexible fourth tooth further comprising a fourthinward-facing, generally convex ridge; and a, a tip comprising a concaveedge adjacent to the inward-facing, generally convex ridge; a generallyplanar edge adjacent to the concave edge; a beveled edge adjacent to thegenerally planar edge; a generally concave outer edge adjacent to thebeveled edge; a portion of the tip being frictionally and substantiallyundetachably coupled to the annular area of the housing; the flexiblefifth tooth further comprising a fifth inward-facing, generally convexridge; and a, a tip comprising a concave edge adjacent to theinward-facing, generally convex ridge; a generally planar edge adjacentto the concave edge; a beveled edge adjacent to the generally planaredge; a generally concave outer edge adjacent to the beveled edge; aportion of the tip being frictionally and substantially undetachablycoupled to the annular area of the housing; the flexible sixth toothfurther comprising a sixth inward-facing, generally convex ridge; and a,a tip comprising a concave edge adjacent to the inward-facing, generallyconvex ridge; a generally planar edge adjacent to the concave edge; abeveled edge adjacent to the generally planar edge; a generally concaveouter edge adjacent to the beveled edge; a portion of the tip beingfrictionally and substantially undetachably coupled to the annular areaof the housing; and, the flexible seventh tooth further comprising aseventh inward-facing, generally convex ridge; and a, a tip comprising aconcave edge adjacent to the inward-facing, generally convex ridge; agenerally planar edge adjacent to the concave edge; a beveled edgeadjacent to the generally planar edge; a generally concave outer edgeadjacent to the beveled edge; a portion of the tip being frictionallyand substantially undetachably coupled to the annular area of thehousing;
 11. The aromatic pacifier assembly of claim 10 wherein at leastone of the plurality of vent areas is elliptical and wherein at leastthree of the plurality of the vent areas are generally comma-shaped. 12.The aromatic pacifier assembly of claim 10 wherein the number of teethof the outer cartridge structure equals the number of teeth of the innercartridge structure.
 13. The aromatic pacifier assembly of claim 11,wherein the number of teeth of the inner cartridge structure aredisposed on the base; the number of teeth further comprising a firsttooth of the inner cartridge structure, a second tooth of the innercartridge structure, a third tooth of the inner cartridge structure, afourth tooth of the inner cartridge structure, a fifth tooth of theinner cartridge structure, and a sixth tooth of the inner cartridgestructure; the first tooth of the inner cartridge structure comprises agenerally convex flexible tip, the generally convex flexible tipcomprising an outer edge of the flexible tip, the outer edge of theflexible tip being beveled and comprising a flange; and, an upper edgeof the flexible tip; wherein the upper edge of the flexible tip isdetachably coupled with the outer cartridge structure, wherein theflange of the first tooth of the inner cartridge structure is coupled toand nested behind the first inward-facing, generally convex ridge; thesecond tooth of the inner cartridge structure comprises a generallyconvex flexible tip, the generally convex flexible tip comprising anouter edge of the flexible tip, the outer edge of the flexible tip beingbeveled and comprising a flange; and, an upper edge of the flexible tip;wherein the upper edge of the flexible tip is detachably coupled withthe outer cartridge structure, wherein the flange of the second tooth ofthe inner cartridge structure is coupled to and nested behind the secondinward-facing, generally convex ridge; the third tooth of the innercartridge structure comprises a generally convex flexible tip, thegenerally convex flexible tip comprising an outer edge of the flexibletip, the outer edge of the flexible tip being beveled and comprising aflange; and, an upper edge of the flexible tip; wherein the upper edgeof the flexible tip is detachably coupled with the outer cartridgestructure, wherein the flange of the third tooth of the inner cartridgestructure is coupled to and nested behind the third inward-facing,generally convex ridge; the fourth tooth of the inner cartridgestructure comprises a generally convex flexible tip, the generallyconvex flexible tip comprising an outer edge of the flexible tip, theouter edge of the flexible tip being beveled and comprising a flange;and, an upper edge of the flexible tip; wherein the upper edge of theflexible tip is detachably coupled with the outer cartridge structure,wherein the flange of the fourth tooth of the inner cartridge structureis coupled to and nested behind the fourth inward-facing, generallyconvex ridge; the fifth tooth of the inner cartridge structure comprisesa generally convex flexible tip, the generally convex flexible tipcomprising an outer edge of the flexible tip, the outer edge of theflexible tip being beveled and comprising a flange; and, an upper edgeof the flexible tip; wherein the upper edge of the flexible tip isdetachably coupled with the outer cartridge structure, wherein theflange of the fifth tooth of the inner cartridge structure is coupled toand nested behind the fifth inward-facing, generally convex ridge; thesixth tooth of the inner cartridge structure comprises a generallyconvex flexible tip, the generally convex flexible tip comprising anouter edge of the flexible tip, the outer edge of the flexible tip beingbeveled and comprising a flange; and, an upper edge of the flexible tip;wherein the upper edge of the flexible tip is detachably coupled withthe outer cartridge structure, wherein the flange of the sixth tooth ofthe inner cartridge structure is coupled to and nested behind the sixthinward-facing, generally convex ridge; and, the seventh tooth of theinner cartridge structure comprises a generally convex flexible tip, thegenerally convex flexible tip comprising an outer edge of the flexibletip, the outer edge of the flexible tip being beveled and comprising aflange; and, an upper edge of the flexible tip; wherein the upper edgeof the flexible tip is detachably coupled with the outer cartridgestructure, wherein the flange of the seventh tooth of the innercartridge structure is coupled to and nested behind the seventhinward-facing, generally convex ridge.
 14. The aromatic pacifierassembly of claim 11, the generally planar edge adjacent to the concaveedge of the first flexible tooth of the outer cartridge structure issubstantially undetachably coupled to the housing; and, wherein thegenerally concave outer edge adjacent to the beveled edge of the firsttooth of the outer cartridge structure is substantially undetachablycoupled to the housing; wherein an additional generally planar edge ofthe first flexible tooth of the outer cartridge structure issubstantially undetachably coupled to the housing; the generally planaredge adjacent to the concave edge of the second flexible tooth of theouter cartridge structure is substantially undetachably coupled to thehousing; and, wherein the generally concave outer edge adjacent to thebeveled edge of the second tooth of the outer cartridge structure issubstantially undetachably coupled to the housing; wherein an additionalgenerally planar edge of the second flexible tooth of the outercartridge structure is substantially undetachably coupled to thehousing; the generally planar edge adjacent to the concave edge of thethird flexible tooth of the outer cartridge structure is substantiallyundetachably coupled to the housing; and, wherein the generally concaveouter edge adjacent to the beveled edge of the third tooth of the outercartridge structure is substantially undetachably coupled to thehousing; wherein an additional generally planar edge of the thirdflexible tooth of the outer cartridge structure is substantiallyundetachably coupled to the housing; the generally planar edge adjacentto the concave edge of the fourth flexible tooth of the outer cartridgestructure is substantially undetachably coupled to the housing; and,wherein the generally concave outer edge adjacent to the beveled edge ofthe fourth tooth of the outer cartridge structure is substantiallyundetachably coupled to the housing; wherein an additional generallyplanar edge of the fourth flexible tooth of the outer cartridgestructure is substantially undetachably coupled to the housing; thegenerally planar edge adjacent to the concave edge of the fifth flexibletooth of the outer cartridge structure is substantially undetachablycoupled to the housing; and, wherein the generally concave outer edgeadjacent to the beveled edge of the fifth tooth of the outer cartridgestructure is substantially undetachably coupled to the housing; whereinan additional generally planar edge of the fifth flexible tooth of theouter cartridge structure is substantially undetachably coupled to thehousing; the generally planar edge adjacent to the concave edge of thesixth flexible tooth of the outer cartridge structure is substantiallyundetachably coupled to the housing; and, wherein the generally concaveouter edge adjacent to the beveled edge of the sixth tooth of the outercartridge structure is substantially undetachably coupled to thehousing; wherein an additional generally planar edge of the sixthflexible tooth of the outer cartridge structure is substantiallyundetachably coupled to the housing; and, the generally planar edgeadjacent to the concave edge of the seventh flexible tooth of the outercartridge structure is substantially undetachably coupled to thehousing; and, wherein the generally concave outer edge adjacent to thebeveled edge of the seventh tooth of the outer cartridge structure issubstantially undetachably coupled to the housing; wherein an additionalgenerally planar edge of the seventh flexible tooth of the outercartridge structure is substantially undetachably coupled to thehousing.
 15. The aromatic pacifier assembly of claim 13, the housinghaving a ledge, the nipple further comprising a collar being coupled tothe mouth guard and being disposed upon the ledge; wherein at least onearomatic substance is disposed upon said absorbent material; the atleast one aromatic substance selected from the group consisting ofnontoxic substances, volatile substances, essential oils, aromaticcompounds, lavender essential oil, orange essential oil, lemon essentialoil, eucalyptus essential oil, peppermint essential oil, rosemaryessential oil, almond oil essential oil, coconut oil essential oil,camphor essential oil, cedar essential oil, menthol essential oil, teatree oil essential oil, vanilla essential oil, chamomile essential oil,and cannabis essential oil, alcohols, and combinations thereof.
 16. Amethod of using an aromatic pacifier assembly for providing aromaticcompounds to a person, the method comprising: removing an aromaticcartridge assembly from a first sterile compartment of a packagedproduct; removing a main assembly comprising a nipple coupled to a mouthguard from a second compartment of the packaged product; sterilizing themain assembly so as to sterilize the nipple; removing a stickerdetachably sealed to at least one vent of the cartridge assembly;coupling the cartridge assembly with the housing so as to hear aclicking sound; inserting the nipple into the mouth of a human, andallowing at least one aromatic compound to be diffusing through at leastone vent of the outer cartridge structure.